The project, sponsored by Chilean energy start-up Valhalla, requires investments estimated at $1.4bn and is due to be ready by 2019.

SEA has approved Espejo de Tarapacá, a 300MW reversible hydro-electric generation project and is still appraising the 600MW Cielos de Tarapacá solar PV element.

Investments in the hydro part of the hybrid project are estimated at $385m, with $1bn for the PV array, the environmental agency said.

During